New England fishermen and regulators are meeting in a science forum intended to shed light on the science of counting fish and air disagreements over the methods.

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) _ Fishermen have long questioned population estimates offered by regulators, often because they contradict what they find at sea. And with key stocks struggling and huge cuts in 2013 set to decimate an already limping industry, the unrest is widespread.

In Portsmouth on Friday, fishery scientists detailed the complexities of managing the fishery and took questions for fishermen frustrated over what they say are shifting and incorrect population estimates that have led to lower catch limits and damaged their businesses.

In recent months, federal and regional regulators have met more frequently to increase cooperation and try to figure out ways to weather the crisis, including through improved science.